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A stealth masterpiece
Story wise, it picks up exactly where Shards of Darkness left off and continues from there. This time, we follow Styx and his unlikely merry crew as they embark on a mission to secure more quartz, with all the plot twists and turns that entails. Nothing too crazy, and I still think the plot of Master of Shadows was stronger, but it was great to see references to Of Orcs and Men with the Bloodjaws, and the whole theme of human colonisation of orcs really threw me back in a good way.
The cast isn't particularly noteworthy. While you do get side quests from your crew members, most of them feel a bit bland, with the exception of Helledryn, who's been my favourite since the previous game and definitely has more personality than the rest.
In terms of mechanics, this is a direct upgrade. The same solid stealth foundation from the older games, but improved. Platforming is more in-depth, and the story gives you a few gadgets as you progress. Each gadget opens up new traversal options, unlocking more and more paths to reach your destination. All while staying beneath or above the enemies' notice.
The map design is the absolute best aspect of this game. It offers tons of verticality and a huge number of different paths to get from point A to point B. While the areas aren't as large as some other games, they're still easy to get lost in. There's so much packed into each map, and the verticality adds layers upon layers to explore.
The game offers four maps in total, three of which act as a sort of open world, and one that's only playable once for a specific level. The three main maps are structured so that different quests take place in different parts, and by simply changing guard formations and patrol patterns, the same area can feel completely different each time. The presence of guards in new positions forces you to plan fresh routes and approaches, which keeps things from ever feeling stale.
Really, the maps turn this game into a 3D puzzle. You need to use your abilities and gadgets to chart your course and find the best way from point A to point B.
Honestly, this is the best stealth series I've played in my opinion. I still think Master of Shadows had the best story, but Blades of Greed takes the crown for gameplay, it keeps the signature map design and stealth mechanics that made the series great, while refining them to near-perfection.
For me, this is a solid 9/10. The only reason it's not higher is that the writing could have been better, and the characters could have been explored more deeply, especially since the game introduces this party dynamic. If it had stuck with just Styx like in Master of Shadows, this could have easily been an 11/10.
✅ Pros:
- Satisfying stealth mechanics
- Brilliant map design
- High replayability
- Great continuation of the series
❌ Cons:
- Writing and character development are weak
- Story isn't as strong as Master of Shadows
- Only four maps
- Some side quests is forgettable
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